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Re-Chroming Plastic Dash Bezels?

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7D4FGTSE View Drop Down
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    Posted: 23-September-2010 at 4:58PM
Hello,
 
I would like to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH to all the members on the site who answered ALL my posts.  I really do appreciate it !
 
 
Now back to the task at hand!!   Does anybody know where I can have my dash bezels re-chromed?  I would like to do all of the vents and the plastic rectangle that is above the glove box.  I want that fine chrome line to shine like it did in 1974!!  I'm sure it isnt cheap but you get what you pay for.  If anyone knows where to send these off to get re-done please let me know!!
 
 
 
Thanx
Ronnie
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Regul8r Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-September-2010 at 2:12AM
can do your own re-paint!?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-September-2010 at 3:10AM
Paul
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gpd294 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-September-2010 at 11:58AM
Were those fine lines around the pieces you describe Chrome originally? I used Silver Testor model paint and a stiff sponge to highlight those lines on the Instrument cluster bezel and air vent bezels on my wagon. I didn't know they were Chrome originally...Confused 
Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-September-2010 at 12:20PM
Hello,
 
It looks like chrome but I'm sure it's not?  If you get a chance check out the link that another member posted in this thread.  It's a company out of Virginia that  RE-CHROMES old plastic auto parts like dash bezels,guages, A/C Vents  etc....
 
Do you have any Pix of the paint work you did on your Dash Bezels?
 
 
Thanx,
Ronnie


Edited by 7D4FGTSE - 24-September-2010 at 12:22PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73GTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-September-2010 at 4:40PM
It was chrome. Copper and all. I think there may be someone in Florida doing it, but most just vacuum metalize it now. 
Jim


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24-September-2010 at 5:21PM
 
 
Thanx for replying to my post.
 
 
 
 
Ronnie
 
 
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gpd294 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 10:56AM
Here ya go Ronnie, I hope this helps:
 

If you can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=zovqivs.1uchbsvs&x=0&h=1&y=-ui14ye&localeid=en_US

Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 11:32AM
Hey gpd294,
 
You did a nice job on those bezels!  That was a good idea using that silver model paint for those fine lines!  Did you use the model paint for the lettering that is on the lower bezel and how did you do it? .......Headlights, wipers, radio etc....
 
Thanx for the pix!
 
Ronnie


Edited by 7D4FGTSE - 25-September-2010 at 11:40AM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 1:04PM
All the chrome on the dash is supposed to be vacuum metallized chrome. I bought some NOS pieces for my dash, and they are indeed VMC. 
Paul
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gpd294 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 1:05PM
I used the Testor model paint for it all. Actually I forgot to highlight around the radio opening, but what I did was use one of those small yellow stiff roller paint sponges from Home Depot. They normally come 3 to a package. I cut a piece off the sponge big enough to hold on too and poured a lil bit of the paint into the cap and just dabbed away being careful not to get any on the freshly painted black dash background. It worked out pretty easy and looks pretty good too. Just keep a rag with thinner nearby for mistakes. It's probably a lot cheaper than sending the parts off. Good luck!
Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73GTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 2:15PM
I used Dupli-Clolor Bumper Chrome paint for all the chrome dash trim. That stuff is 
awesome. It works perfect! The Ranchero dash emblem was completely black. Now 
it shines incredibly.





Edited by 73GTS - 25-September-2010 at 2:21PM
Jim


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 2:30PM
That looks Amazing!!  I might go that route as well!!!  Was it tough to apply or did you just mask/tape and spray? What about the lower bezel with the lettering on it?
 
Does the lower bezel seperate from the dash?  Or is it just one big piece?
 
 
Once again it looks Great!
 
 
 
Ronnie


Edited by 7D4FGTSE - 25-September-2010 at 3:02PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73GTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25-September-2010 at 3:03PM
Originally posted by 7D4FGTSE 7D4FGTSE wrote:

That looks Amazing!!  I might go that route as well!!!  Was it tough to apply or did you just mask/tape and spray? What about the lower bezel with the lettering on it?
 
Does the lower bezel seperate from the dash or is just it one big piece?
 
 
Once again it looks Great!
 
 
 
Ronnie

It was masked and painted with a model car paint brush. Spray some paint into a Dixie cup. Had my son do it. He has a steadier hand. Trimmed it all, vents too. The Ranchero 500 was done free hand, no masking. The lettering on the lower bezel is "printed" on the fake wood grain (I think) metal "sticker". What you see in my pics is 1 piece.
Thanks!! 


Edited by 73GTS - 25-September-2010 at 3:06PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote torino75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-September-2010 at 1:58PM
Hi, better later than never :) Have you considered this???
 
 
 
that is sure an affordable alternative imho...
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-September-2010 at 2:33PM

Hi,

Thanx for the link!  It has to be more affordable then sending it out to get vacuum metalized?
 
 
Thanx,
Ronnie
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote torino75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-September-2010 at 3:09PM
Ronnie,
 
I would Say yes it would be cheaper!!!
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-September-2010 at 3:34PM
Thanx!
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73torinogt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28-September-2010 at 2:09PM
I used a silver metallic sharpie on mine and you can not see the difference.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote occupant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29-September-2010 at 4:25AM
Originally posted by 73torinogt 73torinogt wrote:

I used a silver metallic sharpie on mine and you can not see the difference.


I like this idea. Silver sharpies are awesome. And cheap. And if it rubs off you just put it back on. Easy Peasy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Regul8r Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29-September-2010 at 12:15PM
Originally posted by 73torinogt 73torinogt wrote:

I used a silver metallic sharpie on mine and you can not see the difference.
Liking that idea! Also the silver/chrome model paint is good too!
Unless you are doing a concourse resto... why spend the money for something different?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mule323 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29-September-2010 at 1:07PM
I used a silver paint marker from the craft section at WalMart. Looks great and for 3 bucks...hard to beat.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote occupant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29-September-2010 at 2:16PM
When I was younger and stupider I had one of those silver paint markers. That and a little sand paper and some clearcoat made my 9C3 Malibu model look pretty good in silver. Left the interior red plastic and left the wheels red and it was boss. Wish I still had that.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7D4FGTSE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2010 at 2:11PM

I went to walmart and picked up a couple of those silver metallic markers that you guys had mentioned.  They worked out really good!!!  Thanx for replying to my post!

 
 
Ronnie


Edited by 7D4FGTSE - 01-October-2010 at 2:11PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BackInBlack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-March-2011 at 2:44PM
Originally posted by Psquare75 Psquare75 wrote:

All the chrome on the dash is supposed to be vacuum metallized chrome. I bought some NOS pieces for my dash, and they are indeed VMC. 
It doesn't look like chrome on my 73.  Cleaning up the bezel I accidentally rubbed it off.  It was "chrome" paint.  Perhaps later models had chrome.   I'm not sure, but my 73 is just painted.   I'm trying to find the correct paint at the moment to redo mine.
-John
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-March-2011 at 3:46PM
You aren't reading it properly. vacuum metallized chrome. Someone may have painted it years ago. I bought new trim for my F100's dash, and it indeed is shiny chromed plastic.. The 'old stuff" looks like this.

Before. 


After, new trim



Sadly, the best I could find for my Cougar's dash was these pieces.. See where it's shiny in some places. 


This is an NOS piece I installed over the glove box.. Note the shine.


This article describes the process. 


Edited by Psquare75 - 21-March-2011 at 3:50PM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73 Ranchero Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-March-2011 at 4:35AM

I also used a silver Sharpie,  I did it about 8 years ago and it still looks good today.  I did it with the dash in place, quick and easy

 

Bob

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